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New GPAC leader is immersed in local arts

By , Daily Memphian Updated: June 22, 2025 5:25 AM CT | Published: June 22, 2025 4:00 AM CT

Parke Kennedy’s love for the arts began in Brazil where she spent most of her childhood.

As the new executive director of Germantown Performing Arts Center, she wants to keep the offerings the community has come to expect from the suburban theater. She began her new role earlier this month. However, some aspects of her Brazilian background still contribute to her characteristics.

Kennedy served as GPAC’s development director the past eight years. Many nights, she’d step on stage and welcome guests. Often performances are one night, and so if someone misses a show, they don’t have another opportunity to see it.

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Germantown Germantown Performing Arts Center GPAC Parke Kennedy Subscriber Only

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Abigail Warren

Abigail Warren

Abigail Warren is an award-winning reporter and covers Collierville and Germantown for The Daily Memphian. She was raised in the Memphis suburbs, attended Westminster Academy and studied journalism at the University of Memphis. She has been with The Daily Memphian since 2018.


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